CSM Top 5:

  1. Improving our resiliency as a Force: RESILIENCY is a key component of soldier fitness. If you or your battle buddy are struggling with suicidal thoughts or battling substance abuse, start by calling 434-298-6149. If you can’t remember that, call 9-1-1. Dispatchers are trained to assist people contemplating suicide.
  2. Promotion list was published Jan. 2, 2020. The E4 to E5 list will be published no later than Feb. 1, 2020.
  3. The ACFT Battalion Challenge is Feb. 28, 2020 at DSCR. Battalion T-Shirts are ENCOURAGED!    
  4. Retention through communication: Be informed on additional opportunities, transfer options, schools and benefits BEFORE you get out.  It is tax season, remember, VAARNG Soldiers are eligible to receive a $3000 STATE TAX EXEMPTION.
  5. CSM Nominations Packets are DUE to NGB no later than Jan. 20, 2020.

Junior Enlisted Tips (Information for your Rucksack)

Getting ready for Basic Leader Course (BLC)? Prepare yourself accordingly: 

  1. Refresh your knowledge on drill & ceremony
  2. Refresh your knowledge on Physical Readiness Training (PRT) 
  3. Refresh your understanding of basic grammar and writing skills (AR 25–50 provides specific guidance on military writing)
  4. Understand that the Basic Leader Course is executed in a professional environment.
  5. Be ready to collaborate with your peers and be a team player.

Read more at: https://www.ncolcoeworldcampus.army.mil/Academics/Basic-Leader-Course/

PRT App for iSO:  

PRT App for Android: 

Senior NCO Corner – What you need to know:

  • Sergeant Major Course (RESIDENT) packets are due to NGB no later than Jan. 20, 2020 
  • 2020 Enlisted Qualitative Retention Board will convene in April 2020.  Get your records up to date now!
  • National Guard members supporting the Southwest border mission in a T-32 status are eligible for Post 9-11 GI Bill benefits. Visit https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/12/13/pentagon-approves-gi-bill-benefits-national-guard-troops-serving-border.html  for more information.
  • Army National Guard Implementing Guidance for Exception to Policy (SGT-MSG) Select, Train, Educate, Promote (STEP) (PPOM #19-051) 
  • ACFT equipment arrival: VA will conduct ACFT fielding Feb. 24-28, 2020. Learn more by visiting https://www.army.mil/acft/.
  • FY20 Virginia Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition (BWC) will be held March 26-29, 2020, at Fort Pickett. 
  • COYOTE BROWN FLEECE CAP IS AUTHORIZED FOR OPTIONAL WEAR WITH THE ARMY COMBAT UNIFORM. From Army G-1 Uniform Policy:  The Chief of Staff of the Army has authorized the Coyote Brown Fleece Cap for optional wear with the Army Combat Uniform at the discretion of unit commanders, effective 01 October 19.  https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-702659

Broadening Assignment Opportunities: The purposeful expansion of an NCO’s core military occupational specialty, or MOS; proficiency and leadership provided through diverse developmental positions; opportunities and assignments, both within and outside their career management field.

  • JOB OPPORTUNITY: Army National Guard (ARNG) Title 10 (T10) One Time Occasional Tour (OTOT) Public Affairs Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) National Guard Bureau Public Affairs, Arlington, VA: Rank E-7/E-8: Suspense 20 January 2020 POC: MSG Lee Baker, (ARNG-HCM-E), 703-607-7452, or lee.h.baker.mil@mail.mil

WARRANT OFFICER OPPORTUNITIES: “Move Forward” Join the Small, Elite Group of Highly Specialized Warrant Officers. 3 YRS NCOER’s, 110GT, Security Clearance, and Prerequisites in Hyperlink: https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/ARMY_FEEDER/

Contact: CW4 Sexton 540-810-4044; wayne.s.sexton.mil@mail.mil

Current Key NCO vacancies:

  •  First Sergeant, Maneuver Training Center (MTC), 00F, Blackstone, (S:17 January 2020) 

POC: 1SG Timothy J Bilbrey, G1 Enlisted Promotions Manager timothy.j.bilbrey.mil@mail.mil

 Mandatory Reading:

NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER 2020 STRATEGY (NCO 2020): https://www.tradoc.army.mil/Portals/14/Documents/NCO2020.pdf

The Noncommissioned Officer Guide (TC 7-22.7): “This TC provides the Army’s NCOs a guide for leading, supervising, and caring for Soldiers. While this guide is not all-inclusive, nor is it intended as a stand-alone document, it provides NCO’s a quick and ready reference to refresh and develop leadership traits.”

Quote of the Month:  “Easy is hard enough.”  CSM Plude, 91st Cyber Command Sergeant Major

SOLDIER SPOTLIGHT: Sgt. Shah A Jamal, 229th MP Company, 31B, Team leader.

Jamal has just returned from deployment in support of NATO HQ Sarajevo (NHQSa). He was assigned as the personal security NCO to the Commanding General. His duties included providing physical and personal security and operational support to the NATO HQ Sarajevo (NHQSa) Commander (US Army 1-Star General) during official travel and Key Leader Engagements in the Western Balkans region and other austere international locations.  

During his mission, he executed more than 150 Protective Service missions for the  NHQSa Commander. These missions were at locations throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and included foreign embassies, ambassador’s residences, state level diplomatic events, and engagements with Armed Forces of BiH leadership. Jamal conducted site surveys, route reconnaissance and issued movement briefs to the NATO command group. 

In his civilian career, SGT Jamal is an analyst for the Department of Homeland Security. SGT Jamal is just one example of the great talent we have in our formations.

Congratulations to Sgt. Jamal!